I am pleased to present the next Confessions of an SL Top Model Spotlight ~ Dancer Dallagio.
We all know this wonderful women. Not only is she Stilleto Moody’s right hand woman at Stiletto Moody Shoes, but she is a talented model to boot. Her grace, charm and wit livens up a room. Dancer has always been someone I look up to and I am honored to have worked with her. I still talk about the great times even now.
So, please, join me in welcoming Dancer Dallagio as our Model Spotlight. 🙂
JT. Please tell us about yourself and how you ventured into the modelling industry.
DD. First, let me say how very honoured I am to be asked to do this interview! My first venture into runway modeling was doing a show for Eshi Otawara on the Paisley Beebe show. Prior to that I had done some print work for Stiletto Moody and Baiastice/BehaviorBody. I also did some RFL and Maseno charity runway shows about the same time, and had been a fashion show stylist since 2008. I entered the Miss Virtual World 2010 competition, and had a crash course in modeling :). This led to more runway shows, more print work, and invitations to Model Agencies. Now, I’ve got a lot of experience with all facets of modeling, from being featured on the cover of Runway Magazine, being featured in several issues of BOSL Magazine, Too Sexy Magazine, vendor ads, magazine adverts, and many many runway shows. I take my work quite seriously, but I also love to have fun with the great people that I have the pleasure of working with.
JT. Please tell us about some of your accomplishments within the modelling industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your modelling career.
DD. From being voted a Top Ten Finalist in MVW 2010, named one of the Ten Most Elegant Women in Second Life, to being featured in vendor and store magazine advertisements in most major publications in SL, having clothes and jewelry made especially for me by fantastic designers, being photographed by some of the best photographers, working with many of the best models and agency staff/heads, I’m still growing within the industry, and I think every single moment is a defining one. I love showcasing the work of the amazing talents we are fortunate to have here in SL, and the creativity of the sets and choreography are just fantastic. I’m also now teaching modeling, which is so wonderful to share what I have learned with others. I’m still learning every day and loving it!
JT. You have certainly established yourself well within the modelling industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful model. Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
DD. I think the main thing to have is a good sense of style; if you have this, you can learn the rest. Most facets of modeling can be taught, but a sense of style is like a sense of rhythm or music to a dancer–you really need these to be successful. You also need patience, humility, a certain grace, and the willingness to learn and grow. My best advice for aspiring models is to define your unique look whilst remaining true to yourself. We are all people behind our barbies and there are great friendships and knowledge to be had by remembering this.
JT. What do you like and dislike about modelling?
DD. I really love being able to use my fashion eye to showcase a designer’s creation in the best way that i can; to me, it’s all about making that design look well and promoting sales for the creator. The excitement of being on a stage is pretty terrific, too, just as it is for a ballet performance. Each show has great energy. I also really love being in promotional adverts and photos to represent a given design–this is so fantastic to think that the designer trusts me not just to take a design down a runway, but also to sell the actual product. 🙂 I suppose the only thing i dislike would be a lack of professionalism, but I’ve been very lucky in this so far.
JT. Finally, please tell us what motivates you to be a model. Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration?
DD. My motivation is from a love of fashion and performance. I once was pulled aside by a designer who thanked me for really showcasing her design instead of myself, and I was so thrilled. Whilst I’m definitely “me” with my own unique style, I’m primarily there to be whatever look the designer wants and will make their design look fantastic. I am inspired by so many, from RL designs to SL designs, classical dancers, and models. In SL: Kay Fairey, Mui Mukerji, Blackbarbie Bravin, Barbarella Fuosing, Mimmi Boa, Miaa Rebane, Sora Tatham, Agtaope Carter, Natasja Schumann, Mavi Beck, Sabine Blackburn, all of the MVW contestants, Linnda Scofield, Payton Heron, Wicca Merlin, all of the models from Agata Agency, Avenue, BLVD, BeStyle, EIMA, Evane, ModelX, Premiere, Modavia, Opium; pretty much everyone! If I listed all of the names, I would fill up pages and pages…I learn from everyone and anyone, and love the bonds that form from being together in shows.
JT. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
DD. I’ve been working in fashion and perfomance most of my life, and I am so thrilled to be continuing that in SL. I adore creativity, and this is a fantastic niche to be a part of. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me come this far and who will help me continue to grow.
Thank you Dancer for allowing us to spotlight you. We wish you all the best on your future endeavors in SL as well as RL.
Don’t forget to comment on Dancer Dallagio’s spotlight! Your feedback is always valued. 🙂
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